Mental health services in Charleston, SC

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Above all else, at Trident Medical Center’s Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness, we want you to know that you are never alone. Our facilities provide both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services so that we can be there for you however you need us.

With dedicated teams of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals, our mission is to emphasize personalizing every treatment plan so that your unique needs can be met with the warmth and compassion you deserve. Not limiting our treatments to one age group, we provide the same high levels of care to adolescent, adult and geriatric conditions, including life crises, severe depression, bipolar disorder or thoughts of suicide.

To talk with a behavioral health specialist, please call (843) 797-4200.

Individualized psychiatric care

Psychiatry programs at our behavioral health centers are rooted in the desire to make you feel safe and comfortable at all times. We know this can only be accomplished when there is mutual trust between you and our psychiatric specialists, which begins with a thorough diagnosis. Our psychiatrists are trained to quickly recognize mental health symptoms and they are able to apply this understanding to developing a plan that works for you and you alone. Effective behavioral health care is never one-size-fits-all, and we are committed to fully grasping your condition and how we can most positively affect your life.

Mental health conditions we treat

Regardless of your stage of life, mental health issues can arise at any time. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and we are prepared to work side-by-side with you to help you overcome whatever you may be experiencing. The foundation of our behavioral health programs is a dedicated focus on a core range of mental health disorders, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Trauma

Inpatient mental health facility

Our inpatient programs offer you 24/7 access to psychiatric and medical professionals who are ready to engage with you in behavioral health treatments, such as cognitive therapy and psychotherapy. We take great pride in providing you with a safe, therapeutic environment that is focused on healing. Our firm belief is that your time with us will be beneficial for improving your wellbeing so that you can live the life you’re most comfortable with and that makes you happiest. Psychotherapy methods that we use to try and make that happen include:

  • Cognitive therapy
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Family counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Individualized counseling
  • Pet therapy
  • Relaxation techniques

Outpatient mental health care

The last step of any successful recovery is reengaging in daily life. Outpatient therapy is a great transitional option for when you have been receiving inpatient treatment and are deemed ready to return home, but with some additional help. It is also ideal if you need more support than you feel you are getting from routine therapy sessions.

Each program provides individual therapy and family education to ensure you are able to return to your optimal level of functioning. Medication monitoring is an important component of most plans, so you know how to properly adjust to taking medication, should that be in your needs. Aside from medication, the primary form of outpatient treatment will be group therapy.

Each one of our outpatient treatment programs include:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
  • Nursing assessment and psychosocial assessment
  • Personalized, long-term treatment plan

We understand that there are a number of reasons that you would need the assistance of outpatient mental health treatment, and are prepared for almost any scenario. Outpatient treatment options we offer include:

  • Anger management
  • Cognitive therapy
  • Communication skills
  • Coping skills
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Goal setting
  • Group therapy
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Medication education
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Problem solving
  • Relapse prevention
  • Relationship coaching
  • Relaxation therapy
  • Self-esteem/self-image improvement
  • Time management

Private pay, Medicare and most insurances are accepted. Referrals may be made by you, your psychiatrist, mental health professional, social service agencies or designated family members.

For referrals or assessments, call (843) 797-4200.

Live Oak Mental Health Therapy Center – Charleston

For families and professionals in the Charleston peninsula, the Center is conveniently located to provide easy access to care. It offers intensive outpatient group therapy three days a week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. It is geared toward individuals struggling with issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Relationship issues
  • Shame
  • Trauma

Call (843) 797-4245 to schedule an assessment or for more information.

Live Oak Mental Health Therapy Center - Charleston is located at 40 Calhoun Street, Suite 230, Charleston, SC 29401.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Another level of outpatient treatment is our Partial Hospitalization Program, or, PHP. PHP is unique, in that it is able to provide an intensive level of psychiatric treatment, while still adhering to the boundaries provided by an outpatient setting. The program’s primary goal is to improve your level of function, while reducing symptoms to prevent relapse or hospitalization.

The program operates Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm, with sessions lasting for three to four hours per day. These sessions typically continue for anywhere between two to four weeks, depending on the severity of your condition.

Individualized treatment plans rely on the results of our evaluations, which cover your strengths, limitations and goals for treatment. Goals are reviewed and updated weekly in both your team meetings and individual sessions. Make sure to consult with your behavioral health team to determine whether you would benefit from the services of the PHP.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP is designed for when you are transitioning from the hospital or home, or are being referred by a physician. While participating in the IOP, you receive comprehensive psychiatric care during the day and can return home each afternoon.

The program operates Monday through Friday from 9:00am to noon, with sessions continuing for two to four weeks, three to five times per week.

The IOP may be right for you if you meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years old or older
  • Do not primarily require custodial care
  • Have psychiatric symptoms impairing social, occupational or other critical functioning
  • Medically stable to participate in the program
  • Present no immediate risk of harm to self or others
  • Willing and able to participate in cognitive-based therapy

Adolescent mental health care

We know adolescents face challenges different from any other time in life; ages 12 through 17 are uniquely challenging for children. Issues ranging from heredity and family problems to relationships and school can affect their mental and emotional well-being. If your adolescent is diagnosed with a mental health issue, we work with you to find a treatment plan specifically for your child – one designed to bring them back feeling healthy.

We also know that the path of development for an adolescent differs from an adult. We consider the developmental maturity of the adolescent as opposed to their physical stature.

Our adolescent mental health care approach focuses on wellness and recovery, building coping skills and advancing stress tolerance.  As we see advances in recovery and wellness, our adolescent patients are provided increased freedom in decision-making, including the use of the cafeteria, outdoor courtyard and activities.

Our 15-bed adolescent unit provides inpatient and outpatient programs. They are provided by psychiatrists, clinicians and other caregivers who’ve received special training in providing mental health care to adolescents.  We provide care for diagnoses that include:

  • Inpatient care diagnoses
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Depressive disorders
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Suicidal ideation
  • Outpatient care diagnoses
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depressive disorders
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorders
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Schizophrenia

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for adolescents

The IOPs for adolescents are provided at hours that allow them to stay in school. Patients are treated with other individuals with similar issues. They will be cared for by a team of experts with special training in providing mental health care to adolescents.

Therapeutic setting fosters healing

Patients at Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness receive treatment and recover in an environment that is therapeutic.  Features include:

  • Natural light
  • Large windows
  • Outdoor courtyard
  • Large cafeteria
  • A variety of calming settings for group therapy

Adolescent care team

Our care team includes specialists in:

  • Adolescent psychiatry
  • Nursing
  • Mental health
  • Music therapy
  • Certified recreational therapy
  • Registration
  • EVS
  • Food and nutrition

A message to parents and other caregivers

There is hope. Treatment is available for your child. By working together, we can create a treatment plan that encourages and supports your child's wellness.

Please visit Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness for more information about the services provided.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT is an advanced treatment for illnesses that have mental or emotional symptoms that cannot be controlled with therapy or medication. It can be one of the most effective treatments for a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and catatonia.

During the treatment, you receive a brief electrical stimulation to the scalp, which stimulation causes the nerves to release chemicals in the brain that work to restore normal function.

ECT treatment provides many benefits compared to other treatments, including:

  • Faster effectiveness, typically within the first week
  • Higher success rate
  • Limited side effects
  • Often full remission of symptoms

Discharge planning and recovery

Aftercare planning is a crucial part of the treatment process. Knowing how to acclimate to life outside a treatment setting is instrumental in ensuring that you continue to get better, so we work collaboratively to design a plan to meet your long-term goals.

Our programs are developed to enhance self-understanding and responsibility by teaching you new coping skills. Sessions for family members are also available to help them gain a greater understanding of your condition and its corresponding needs, so that they can provide adequate support throughout the recovery process.